Smoked Blood Orange Manhattan [Recipe]

Today we’re talking mixed drinks. If you’ve ever hung out with me, you know that I am a sucker for a well-made Manhattan. This Smoked Blood Orange Manhattan is the perfect balance of spiced honey bourbon, citrus, and a bit of smoke.

Stirrings’ Blood Orange Mixer gives the drink a nice sweet and citric twist. That, combined with a hint of smoky orange bitters for depth, makes this a drink you can relax into. Let’s be honest… we’re 9 days out from Christmas. We all need to unwind a bit.

A traditional Manhattan recipe uses rye; however, I opted for a more mild bourbon in this recipe so as not to take away from the blood orange and smoked bitters. Using a lower proof bourbon makes this an approachable drink that’s perfect before dinner or with light appetizers at a party.

This drink is warming and just strong enough to do the job. Like a hug after a long day or long visit from your relatives.

A note on stirring this drink: PLEASE DO IT! Stirring the drink allows the cocktail to chill just enough, without causing it to appear cloudy. Shaking is needed when you’re using ingredients that don’t combine well without a vigorous shake (ex: actual orange juice, egg whites, or creamy ingredients).

How long you stir depends on your ice and how much dilution you like in your drink. The longer you stir, the less strong the drink will taste. Experiment with stir times and see what you like best.

A video posted by Laura (@sprint2thetable) on Dec 5, 2016 at 10:05pm PST

I made this thinking of my mom (whose comment you can see in the IG post above). It’s been our family tradition to share a special Christmas Eve drink. I make something different each year – like this Christmas in Manhattan. Or this graham cracker-rimmed Liquid Gingerbread Martini (which I *think* is still the winner).

This Christmas we won’t be together, but I’ll be toasting my bourbon-loving mom from across the country!

Comments

OMG my husband’s new drink of choice is a Manhattan! I may surprise him with this on Christmas Eve…luckily we have a Total Wines around here so I’m sure I can get everything there. For me? I may need that gingerbread martini!!! Cheers!Allie Capo-Burdick recently posted…Truth in Christmas Card Photos

Obviously, I’m there with you. Alex’s drink of choice is probably an Old Fashioned, and this is bridging the gap between manhattans and old fashioneds…Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Gifted and Talented

I’m a fan of Manhattans also Laura. A friend of mine got me hooked on them years ago; they are the perfect Friday after work drink. I’ve never had A Smoked Blood Orange Manhattan, and I have a feeling I will love it. I don’t make cocktails at home; I need to change that.Mary recently posted…How to Boost Your Energy During the Holidays

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